Hi and welcome, this month we are going to look at the half square triangle and how to make them, using them in a split 9 Patch block, some other ideas and a brief look at quarter square triangles

Now for exact measurements for cutting half square triangles we need to add 7/8ths of an inch to our finished size square, then cut the square diagonally from corner to corner. There are lots of different ways of making these, some people just cut their squares into triangles and piece accordingly without any trouble. I’m not very good at lining up the points of my triangles and end up with all sorts of interesting variations so I like to sew my seams before I cut the diagonal line, that way I actually have a chance of ending up with something usable lol..

Another way to make these is to include a trimming allowance when cutting the squares. That is instead of cutting at 4 7/8” you would cut at say 5” then when the half square is completed, trim to 4 1/2”. You can also draw up paper guides or purchase ready made guides.(Thangles, I think they are called.) My personal choice is to cut accurately and draw my guide line directly on the fabric, but if that doesn’t work well for you investigate one of the other methods, the trick is to find what works best for you.

Fabrics for the Split 9 Patch

You will need scraps of light and dark, I have used pinks for my lights and blues for my darks.
In blues cut four of 4 1/2” squares and two of 4 7/8” squares

In Pinks cut three of 4 1/2” squares and two of 4 7/8” squares (Pic 1)

These cutting requirements will give you a couple of extra half square units, but is necessary to maintain the scrappy look, your extras are bound to come in handy somewhere else

This block can also be made in two colours, if you use two colours you will only need to cut one 4 7/8” square in each colour

Making the Half Square Triangle Units

On each of your light squares, on the reverse side of the fabric, draw a diagonal line, with a soft pencil or other suitable marker, note: this is not your stitching line as in making sew and flip triangles like we did last month but is you cutting and seam guide line. (Pic 2a,b)

Match up your light square with a dark square, right sides together. Sew 1/4” either side of the drawn line by lining up the edge of your quarter inch foot on the drawn line. (Pic 3a-d)

Press lines of stitching to set seam and cut apart

Lay triangle unit dark side up on the ironing board finger press open, then lightly press with iron, being careful not to distort your finished unit. This will result in the seam allowance being pressed towards the dark fabric. Trim off dog ears and your half square unit is finished.(Pic 4a-f)

If you are using a lot of these units in a block you may want to press the seam allowance open to reduce bulk, but for the split 9 Patch, pressed to one side will be fine

Assembling the Block

Lay out all your block pieces as shown (Pic 5)

Stitch units together in strips. Press seams of top and bottom strips towards center. (A) Press seams of middle strip towards outside edges,(B) so that seams will butt nicely when strips are joined. (Pic 6a,b)

Sew strips together as shown (Pic 7)

Your finished block Pic 8

This is a very versatile block and can be used in layouts similar to a log cabin. If using it in an allover pattern I would probably make this block in a 9 inch or smaller or you will end up with a really humongous quilt

Here are a few examples of possibilities.

Barn Raising

Furrows and one I came up with by playing about with the block set :wink: